Description
Amsterdam is a city of canals, bicycles and… coffee and cakes! We’re not talking about those infamous “coffee shops” here. Nope, we mean proper cafés, the kind where you can tuck into a delicious pastry and get your caffeine fix.
Amsterdam’s café scene is a lovely mix of cozy corners, canal-side views and enough sugar to make your dentist weep. From Dutch apple pie that’ll make your taste buds dance to trendy spots serving Instagram-worthy lattes, the city has plenty to choose from.
One must-visit is Winkel 43, tucked away in the Jordaan. Their apple pie is so good, it’s said to have made Bill Clinton weak at the knees. If it’s good enough for Slick Willie, it’s good enough for us.
But don’t stop there. Amsterdam’s café culture is as varied as its canals are long. At Back to Black, the coffee is sustainable and the atmosphere cozy. Or try Coffee & Coconuts, set in an old 1920s cinema. And yes, you can actually get coconuts there.
Key Features
1. Dutch Apple Pie: Let’s be real, you can’t come to Amsterdam without trying the apple pie. The Dutch have turned it into an art form, and you’ll find excellent slices all over the city. For a standout, head to Winkel 43. Just be ready to queue; plenty of people have the same idea.
2. Canal-side Seating: Many Amsterdam cafés have outdoor seating with views of the canals. It’s a lovely spot to sip your coffee, munch on a stroopwafel and watch the world go by. Café de Jaren is a good example, with a terrace right on the water. Keep hold of your pastry, though; those canal ducks are ruthless.
3. Quirky Interiors: Amsterdam cafés serve up more than food and drink; they’re often a treat to look around, too. Take Bar Botanique, for instance. It’s packed with plants, so you might briefly forget you’re in a café and not a jungle.
4. Sustainable Coffee: The Dutch take their coffee seriously, and many cafés in Amsterdam serve sustainably sourced beans. Back to Black stands out, roasting its own beans and making sure they’re ethically sourced. You can sip your latte with a clear conscience.
5. Fusion Flavors: Amsterdam’s multicultural character finds its way into the café scene, too. Scandinavian Embassy serves Nordic-inspired dishes alongside excellent coffee. It’s a little culinary trip without leaving your seat.
Best Time to Visit
Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit an Amsterdam café. Rainy day? Settle in with a steaming cup of coffee. When the sun comes out, grab a terrace seat. If you’re after a quieter visit, though, a few timing tips can help:
1. Weekday Mornings: If crowds aren’t your thing, try popular cafés on a weekday morning. You’re more likely to find a seat and won’t have to elbow your way to the counter.
2. Late Afternoons: The Dutch have a lovely concept called “borrel”, a cozy sort of happy hour. In the late afternoon, many cafés shift into relaxed bars, serving wine and snacks alongside their usual fare. It’s a nice time to move from coffee to something a little stronger.
3. Winter Months: There’s something lovely about ducking into a warm café when it’s cold and dreary outside. Amsterdam cafés are especially inviting in winter, offering plenty of gezelligheid, that hard-to-translate Dutch mix of coziness and conviviality.
4. King’s Day: This one’s a bit of a wildcard. King’s Day (April 27th) is Amsterdam’s biggest street party, but it can also be a fun day to café-hop. Many places serve orange-themed treats, and the party atmosphere is hard to miss.
How to Get There
Getting to Amsterdam’s cafés is part of the fun. The city is made for wandering, and you’ll often come across a hidden gem just by following your nose, or the smell of something freshly baked.
1. By Foot: Amsterdam’s compact center puts many cafés within walking distance of one another. Wear comfortable shoes and set off on foot. Just watch for bicycles; they can be surprisingly quiet.
2. By Bike: When in Amsterdam, rent a bike. It’s a very Dutch way to café-hop, and you’ll feel like a local in no time. Lock it properly when you stop; bike theft is no joke here.
3. Public Transport: Amsterdam’s trams and buses can take you to cafés in the outer neighborhoods. Get yourself an OV-chipkaart and you’re good to go.
4. Canal Boat: For something a little different, take a canal boat tour that stops near some of the city’s best cafés. It’s a café crawl with a view.
Tips for Visiting
1. Cash is King: Most places accept cards, but some smaller cafés still take cash only. Keep a few euros on hand, just in case.
2. Mind the Stairs: Dutch buildings are known for their steep, narrow staircases. If you’re visiting a café on an upper floor, watch your step. Your ankles will thank you.
3. Try the Specials: Many cafés have seasonal specials or distinctive house blends. Ask the barista for a recommendation; they’re usually happy to share their favorites.
4. Pace Yourself: With so many tempting treats, it’s easy to want to try everything. But a sugar crash isn’t the best way to explore Amsterdam. Maybe stick to one slice of apple pie a day. Okay, two. Three at most.
5. Bring a Book: Dutch cafés are made for lingering. Plenty of locals use them as informal offices or reading nooks, so there’s no need to rush. Order another coffee, pull out that novel you’ve been meaning to finish and settle in.
6. Learn Some Dutch: Most Amsterdammers speak excellent English, but they’ll appreciate you making an effort with Dutch. Start with “een koffie, alstublieft” (a coffee, please) and take it from there.
7. Respect the Vibe: Every café has its own atmosphere. Some are lively, while others are quiet places to unwind. Take a moment to read the room and settle in accordingly.
8. Instagram Responsibly: That latte art may be gorgeous, and the canal view might be stunning. Still, try not to spend your whole visit behind your phone screen. Some moments are better enjoyed than photographed.
